On cost-cutting drive, OC wants more DTC buses

Having allegedly spent Rs 10 lakh to hire a treadmill, the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (OC) is looking for ways to cut cost. And what better way to do so than to cut expenditure on the opening and closing ceremonies.

According to sources, the RFP (request for proposal) for hiring transport providers on a turnkey basis to ferry artistes performing at the opening and closing ceremonies has been shelved. The OC has now asked the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) todo the job.

A senior OC official said, ‘‘Originally, we had decided to hire a transport vendor for providing turnkey solution for transportation of artistes and performers from around Delhi to Jawaharlal Nehru stadium for the rehearsals and also the main events. An RFP had been floated for this in July. But that was later cancelled as we have decided to use DTC to ferry the performers.’’

Sources said the decision was based on various factors, including escalating costs and lack of adequate funds for the job. ‘‘Since DTC will be used to ferry athletes, it was felt that for performers too, the buses of the corporation would be ideal,’’ said the sources. Interestingly, while DTC sources claimed that the corporation would be providing the services on the basis of a financial package, OC officials said financial details were being ‘‘worked out’’.

Earlier, the OC had announced that all those buying tickets to the Commonwealth Games events would be allowed a free ride on the DTC as well as the Metro. However, the financial implications of this announcement are still being sorted out between the DTC, Metro and Delhi government.

The DTC will also be putting into service over 500 buses, which will be used to transport athletes. A DTC spokesperson confirmed that the corporation has agreed to provide buses to the OC to ferry over 7,000 artistes expected to take part in the opening and closing ceremonies. ‘‘A total of 145 buses will be pressed into service to ferry the artistes to Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and back.

The routes and other logistics are being worked out,’’ he said.Special arrangements will be made to ensure their security, the DTC spokesperson said. The service will be provided on a payment basis, the spokesperson claimed.